Festive finger food: how to use Christmas leftovers to make New Year’s Eve canapes | Kitchen aide

From ham and chicken croquetas to potato-filled fishcakes, there are plenty of interesting ways to use up the bits you have left over from the festivities What canapes can I make for New Year’s Eve with my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special? Ella, via email Finger food needn’t be fancy, so New Year is a good opportunity to clear the decks. The only real rule is to keep things to just one bite – no one wants to be manoeuvring a fork, after all. “People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist,” says Max Bergius, founder of Secret Smokehouse in east London. “If you’ve got a bit of smoked salmon left, get that on blinis and top with lumpfish caviar, which is only £2-£3 per 50g pot.” Mini fishcakes would also be just the ticket: “Whether you’ve got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, mix with dill, lemon and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.” Ella could also have a ball with croquetas, too, says Nieves Barragàn Mohacho, chef-director of Sabor and Legado , both in London. “Make the bechamel up to three days ahead, then use leftover ham or chicken, or mushrooms, for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumb